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Video Help

How to download RealPlayer / Windows Media Player / Quicktime:

We provide video in four different popular formats: RealVideo, Windows Media Player, Quicktime and downloaded MPEG. For instructions on downloading and installing these players, either click on their names or scroll down to the appropriate section. (All three players can play MPEGs.) MPEG files are very large and require a long download - even with a broadband connection. They do, however, let you save the file on your computer. If you would like to have the MPEG version, but don't want to download it - request our video cd-rom.

RealPlayer
Step 1: Check Your System
If you're not sure if you already have RealPlayer, click the "Start" button on your taskbar, slide the cursor to the "Find" option and select "files" or "folders." Then type in "RealPlayer" and hit return. If you're already equipped, the software should appear in a window.

Step 2: Downloading
Getting a RealPlayer is relatively easy and involves two phases: download and installation. You'll need a little patience and a computer with enough horsepower and modem speed ( bare minimum 28.8) to make the experience worthwhile. First, bring up the RealNetworks' Real.com site -- http://www.real.com -- and select the software version that you desire.

Step 3: Do I Have To Pay $29.95?
No! There is no cost for most versions, and we suggest the RealOne Basic option because it's free and there is no difference in the player itself -- you're just paying for programming from Real.com. Look for the "Our Free Player" link.

NOTE: They frequently change where the free link is, so you may have to search it out.

Step 4: Saving and Installing
We recommend that you save RealPlayer software to your computer desktop initially, because it's easier to find. Once it's there, close your browser (Netscape, Internet Explorer). Then double-click on the RealPlayer icon and follow the instructions that appear. It's best to allow your computer to choose its own default directory to store RealPlayer.

Windows Media Player
Step 1: Check Your System
Most Windows systems come with Windows Media Player pre-installed, but for those who don't have it, or are running a non-Windows computer (Macintosh, Solaris, Palm, etc.), it's available for download. To check to see if you have Windows Media Player, click the "Start" button on your taskbar, slide the cursor to the "Find" or "Search" option and select "files" or "folders." Then type in "Windows Media Player" (including the quotation marks) and hit return. If you're already equipped, the software should appear in a window.

Step 2: Downloading
Windows Media Player is available free from Microsoft here. Downloads can take some time, and you'll need at least a 28.8K modem connection to make it worth your while. Choose your operating system and download the latest version available to you.

Step 3: Saving And Installing
It's easiest if you save the Windows Media Player software to your desktop -- it makes it easy to find later. Once it's there, close down all your other programs and double-click on the Windows Media Player icon, and follow the instructions. The installer will suggest a default directory in which to install the player.

Quicktime Player
Step 1: Check Your System
Quicktime usually comes pre-installed on Macintosh computers, but most other users have to download and install it. To see if you have the Quicktime player installed, click the "Start" button on your taskbar, slide the cursor to the "Find" or "Search" option and select "files" or "folders." Then type in "Quicktime" and hit return. If you're already equipped, the software should appear in a window.

Step 2: Downloading
The Quicktime player is available free at Apple.com. You'll need at least a 28.8K modem and a bit of time for the download. Fill out the form to download.

Step 3: Saving and Installing
We recommend that you save the downloaded file to your desktop -- it makes it easy to find later. Once the download is complete, close down all your other programs and double-click on the Quicktime installer icon, and follow the instructions. The installer will suggest a default directory in which to install the player.

Common Problems

  • Windows Media Player often attempts to open other media formats (Real or Quicktime), but will fail to play them resulting in an error message. If this happens, either choose to watch the video in Windows Media format, or change your player association for that file format to the appropriate installed player.
  • If you have clicked on a Quicktime clip, but the video window doesn't open or disappears, you are probably using a "pop-up" blocker. Temporarily disable this software, or choose another format.
  • If you have trouble accessing any of the streaming formats (Real, Windows or Quicktime), it may be due to your network firewall. In this case, try either the Windows Media or Quicktime links - by right clicking the link and choosing "Save target as..." This should download the file to your computer's hard drive. You will, of course, still need the appropriate player to view the clip.
  • The video is so small! To reduce the file size and make the video available to a wider audience, we encode at modest viewing sizes. Each media player has a view settings button that will allow you to adjust the size of the video. Enlarging the video will reduce it's quality. MPEG's offer the highest quality and largest viewing format. As always, you may request our video cd-rom!